BBC R&D in association with the Pro-MPEG Forum has released an open-source implementation of the new Media Dispatch Protocol for the automated and standardized transfer of media files between different production and broadcasting facilities.

The Media Dispatch Protocol is designed to enable secure, automated, tapeless delivery of professional media files in all formats over private and public networks including the Internet. The protocol reduces the complexity of file delivery making the process more transparent and efficient. It is designed to integrate easily with automation and business delivery systems.

Several companies are actively involved in interoperability testing and early trials of the new protocol and open-source implementation. BBC Technology Direction is implementing the standard for its Production Gateway Initiative. The project will last six months and will test how content can be passed between the BBC and post-production houses in the UK as files rather than on tape.

The Media Dispatch Protocol has been defined by the Pro-MPEG Forum with representatives from broadcasters, facility houses and equipment manufacturers.

A full description of the Media Dispatch Protocol and links to download the open source implementation can be found on the Pro-MPEG Web site.